Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)

These striking feathers belong to the male Ring-necked Pheasant, a large, chicken-like bird with a long, pointed tail. The males are incredibly colorful with a red face patch and iridescent green neck.

Rich golden-buff or rufous base with bold, irregular black 'crescent' or 'V' shaped barring; the edges are often crisp and high-contrast

Densely pennaceous throughout the upper vane with a small plumulaceous section at the base (downy tuck)

Smooth, glossy, and somewhat stiff; the surface has a waxy sheen typical of ground-dwelling birds

Distinctive golden-tan background with black scalloped markings and a stark white central rachis

Grasslands, agricultural fields, brushy corridors, and forest edges

Native to Asia; widely introduced across North America, Europe, and Oceania as a game bird

Primary consumer (seeds/insects) and a major prey species for large raptors and foxes

Ruffed Grouse feathers are more rounded and matte; wild turkey feathers are much larger and darker

Pheasants were first introduced to North America from China in 1881; they can fly up to 60 mph when startled

The feathers appear in good condition with minor mechanical wear at the tips; likely molted naturally or from a harvested bird